韬

韜

tāo

舀 + 韦

Definitions

tāo bow case or scabbard; to hide; military strategy

Etymology phono-semantic

leather

Semantic: 韦 Phonetic: 舀

About

韬 is a phono-semantic compound: the left-side radical 韦 (tanned leather) and the right-side phonetic 舀. In its traditional form 韜, the leather component is written 韋, linking the character to processed animal hides used for ancient military equipment. The original meaning was a leather sheath or scabbard for a sword or bow, protecting the weapon from the elements. Because the case conceals the weapon, the character took on extended meanings of hiding one's abilities, secret strategic plans, or military tactics that obscure one's true intentions.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他名叫李韬，是我的同学。

Tā míng jiào Lǐ Tāo, shì wǒ de tóngxué.

His name is Li Tao, and he is my classmate.

这本书介绍了古代兵法家的韬略。

Zhè běn shū jièshào le gǔdài bīngfǎ jiā de tāolüè.

This book introduces the military strategies of ancient military tacticians.

将军的深谋远虑尽显其韬略。

Jiāngjūn de shēnmóuyuǎnlǜ jìn xiǎn qí tāolüè.

The general's foresight and deep planning fully demonstrate his strategic acumen.

他善于韬光养晦，从不轻易显露才华。

Tā shànyú tāoguāngyǎnghuì, cóng bù qīngyì xiǎnlù cáihuá.

He is good at concealing his abilities and biding his time, never showing off his talent easily.

这位政治家深谙韬晦之道。

Zhè wèi zhèngzhìjiā shēn ān tāo huì zhī dào.

This politician is deeply versed in the art of concealment and biding one's time.

公司的市场策略是一种商业韬略。

Gōngsī de shìchǎng cèlüè shì yī zhǒng shāngyè tāolüè.

The company's market strategy is a form of business stratagem.

他正潜心研读那部著名的兵书《六韬》。

Tā zhèng qiánxīn yándú nà bù zhùmíng de bīngshū "Liù Tāo".

He is diligently studying the famous military treatise "The Six Secret Teachings".

在复杂的环境中，需要智慧与韬略并存。

Zài fùzá de huánjìng zhōng, xūyào zhìhuì yǔ tāolüè bìng cún.

In complex environments, one needs both wisdom and strategic planning.

Related Characters

Component: 舀

Component: 韦

韬